A look inside my world

As I mentioned briefly before I am caring for my aging Mom. This is not a job I ever planned for but on reflection, I suspect none of us has. First a true confession, not tabloid worthy, but a confession none the less. I was never close to my Mom. Never. Actually we are polar opposites. I am warm and fuzzy, she is not. I love all things creative, her foundation is math. I tell the people I love that I love them.....often. It's an after thought for her.

This journey has radically changed our relationship. The transformation began three years ago. At the time I was taking my Mom out once a week to run errands. I would check with her the day before to see what all she'd planned. Then the day came and it invariably took HOURS longer than I planned. Each week I returned home frustrated. Then my insightful husband gave me a brilliant piece of advice, "Just plan to spend the whole day in town." It was an "ah ha" moment that changed everything. So once a week we went shopping, out to lunch and generally futzed the day away.

Fast forward. After spending nearly everyday for the last three and a half months advocating for her at the hospital, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities she's home.Unfortunately the organization that was to provide in-home care didn't. So Daphne to the rescue! I'm hoping to have greater success after Thanksgiving finding a caregiver. In the meantime.......its me.

I'm back....sort of

Life has been a blur since Spring. I am caring for an aging parent in declining health. Millions of other boomers are on the same journey so I know I'm not alone.

I also made a what was I thinking commitment. Earlier this year I was asked to sit on a committee that organizes luncheons for a club I belong to. Then I was asked to make table decorations for a couple of the luncheons. So far so good. Before I knew it I had offered to make 8 centerpieces. The theme:  fashion from the turn of the 20th century.

Of course I couldn't just slap something together. Noooooo I had to make 8 different pieces; each distressed. This required 2 coats of paint and 1 coat of crackle medium before I could do any of the fun stuff.

While I was prepping the boxes I was gathering images. Thankfully Graphic 45 paper company had a Couture Collection available. For weeks I was up to my elbows in paint, gel matte medium, dimensional medium, paper, bling and various other pieces of ephemera. When all was said and done I had spent 7 hours on each piece. Thankfully that's behind me.